Strip feeding and severing machine



June 27, 1950 F. HAGEMAN I STRIP FEEDING AND SEVERINGMACHINE Filed Nov.7, 1945 5 Sheqts-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. LouiJ' Fflegeman BY ,June 27, 1950 F.HAGEMAN 2,513,093

STRIP FEEDING AND SEVERING MACHINE Filed Nov. 7, 1945 5 Sheets-Sheet 2INVENTO R. Lou-d6 flageman June 27, 1950 L. F. HAGEMAN STRIP FEEDING ANDSEVERING momma 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Nov. 7, 1945 .m E Z V 5 1 mm fl .wWT y 3 d I in 0% g @XK Q at.

June 27, 1950 L. .F. HAGEMAN STRII FEEDING AND SEVERING MACHINE 5Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 7, 1945 INVENTOR. Louis .f/e ema'n BY PatentedJune 27, 1950 2,518,098 STRIP FEEDING AND SEVERING MACHINE Louis I.Hageman, Lewilton, N. Y., assignor to Moore Business Forms, Inc.,Niagara Falls, 8. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application November7,1945, Serial No. 627,191 (Ci. lei-84.5)

4; Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in strip feeding and severingmachines, and more particularly to improvements in such machines adaptedfor feeding long continuous strips or assemblies of such strips arrangedin superposed relation, and including an improved mechanism for severingsuch strips or assemblies along longitudinally spaced transverse linesthereof so as to divide the strips into a series of units or sheets.While the improved mechanism is herein disclosed in a machine, theprincipal function of which is to divide the strip or assembly into aseries of units, it is not limited to such application but may beapplied to various forms of machines where accurate feeding and aligningof the strips is required, suchas typewriting machines, tabulators,autographic registers, and other forms of manifolding machines.

It is a general object of the invention to provide an improvedarrangement of strip feeding mechanism adapted to create an intermittenttension on the strips or assemblies of strips during the feeding thereofsuch as to cause them to be severed serially along a longitudinal seriesof transverse severance lines which may be perforated or otherwiseweakened to facilitate the severance.

A further object of the invention is to provide a feeding mechanism foran assembly of superposed strips such as paper record strips, each stripof which is provided with a longitudinal series of weakened transverseseverance lines. and having an improved arrangement and cooperation ofelements to maintain such weakened severance lines substantially indepthwise alignment in the strips in groups or sets whereby theseverance along these lines is facilitated and clean, smooth, severedstrip edges assured, and failures avoided.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved form oftearing or severing blade for the strips, having oppositely disposedsections thereof forwardly and transversely inclined transversely of thepath of strip feed, thus causing the tearing or severing action on thestrips to be initiated at opposite longitudinal edges of the strip orassembly of strips.

Another and more particular object of the invention is to provide in amachine of the class mentioned, a strip feeding mechanism including animproved arrangement of two pairs of feed rolls arranged to grip thestrips or assembly alternately in feeding relation at longitudinallyspaced parts thereof, thus alternately exerting feeding eifort on thestrips and holding or restraining them during the strip severingoperation which is eifected by a fast-feeding pair of e the stripassembly such as may be caused by the the other feed rolls, thuspreventing accumulations of wrinkles, bulges or other irregularities infeeding action of the gripping feed rolls.

Another specific object of the invention is to provide for machines ofthe class mentioned, an improved strip feeding mechanism includingspaced pairs of strip gripping feed rolls, each pair of which isarranged to grip the strip in feeding relation at longitudinally spacedparts thereof in feeding relation therewith and to release the gripsalternately so as to prevent or absorb wrinkles, bulges or otherirregularities in the strips, and to avoid accumulations thereof such aswould interfere with accurate feeding of the strips, while at the sametime maintaining a constant feeding effort upon the strips.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the intermittentstrip feeding grip and release of the pairs of feed rolls is acomplishedby an improved construction and arrangement of the feed rolls by cuttingaway or omitting a portion of the feeding periphery of at least one feedroll of each pair so that the strips being fed are released from feedingefiort when such omitted roll portion is positioned opposite or injuxtaposition to the companion roll, while the grip and strip feedingeffort is reestablished when the .normal or unaltered strip grippingperipheries of both companion rolls come into cooperative strip grippingrelation with each other.

Another object of the invention is to provide for machines of the classmentioned an improved strip feeding mechanism whereby feeding efiort onthe strips is effected continuously, first exclusively by strip feedingmeans and then exclusively by a companion strip feeding means incontinuous alternation, whereby accumulations of bulges or otherirregularities in the strips occasioned by the feeding action of thegripping feed rolls are effectively avoided and the accurate feeding andaligning of the strips thus effectively promoted.

Another object of the invention is to provide for machines of the classmentioned, an improved strip feeding, aligning and severing mechanismwhereby the strips may be retarded or restrained by either one of twodifferent feeding means, while they are fed or pulled forwardly byanother feeding mechanism which feeds the strips faster than thefirst-mentioned feeding mechanism so as to create severing tension onthe strips being fed.

Other objects of the invention will be in part pointed out in thefollowing detailed disclosure of certain illustrative but preferredembodiments 3 of the invention, and will be in part obvious as thedisclosure proceeds.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction,combination of elements, and arrangement of parts, which will beexemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope ofthe application of which will -be indicated in the claims.

For a more comprehensive disclosure of the nature, objects andadvantages of the invention, reference is had to the following detailedd1s-.

closure of the illustrative embodiments thereof,

and to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a strip feeding and severing machineembodying the improvements of the invention;

Fig. 2 is also a perspective view of the same machine viewed from adifferent angle;

Fig. 3 is a partial side elevation of the machine shown in Fig. 1 viewedfrom the opposite side thereof;

Fig; 4 is a vertical longitudinalsection taken substantially on the line'4,4 of Fig. 2 looking in the direction indicated by the arrows;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged vertical longitudinal section similarto that of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view similar 1 arrows, and showing apair of feed rolls in enlarged side elevation, and,

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary transverse vertical section taken substantiallyof the line 9-9 of Fig. 3 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring to the drawing for a detailed de-v U scription of theillustrative embodiment of the invention there shown, the strip feedingand severing-finechanism is mounted in a suitable supporting frame l4having 'metallic side frame members or plates 15 connected together bysuitable transverse cross ties or rods it, while the name M-maybesupported during operation in any desir'edmanner and-hereinshown asbeing 1 of thetype adapted to be supported upon a sult- :able table,bench or the like.

While the improved-strip feeding and severing device is adapted foroperation upon variousforms of long continuous strips or assemblies of aplurality of such strips, it is herein disclosed for use in connectionw1th"a long continuous record a strip or an assembly S of such recordstrips which are ordinarily constructed of paper and adapted to receiverecord inscriptions. As is common, these long continuous record stripsmay be provided with a longitudinal series of transverse weakenedseverance lines S weakened to promote severance along suchlines byperforating or by other forms of weakening well known in the art. Therecord assembly S or manifolding assembly herein shown for illustrativepurposes includes three long continuous strips in interleaved orsuperposed manifolding relation with each other, but it will beunderstood that the assembly may include a larger number of strips or asmaller number. In manifolding assemblies of this type,

record strips are commonly interleaved with long 4 relation so that therecords inscribed upon the top or original record strip are transferredby the interleaved transfer strips to the underlying orcopy recordstrips. As shown, the record assembly S may be reversely folded on thetransverse lines 8 into a zigzag supply rack 5*. The strips of theassembly S may be free from attachment with each other as shown, forexample, in Fig. l, or in the prior patent to vBrown, No. 1,641,620,issued September 6, 1927. Sometimes, however, the assembly strips may beconnected together at spaced intervals along the assembly as shown, forexample, in the Phillips and Allan Patent No. 2,306,900 issued December29, 1942. Also, the assembly 8 may be provided with one or morelongitudinal series of pin feed apertures 8 for cooperation with pinfeed mechanism. It will be understood that the improved feeding andsevering mechanism of this invention is adapted to operate upon stripsor assemblies of strips of the general nature herein referred to,whether or not record strips or transfer strips are included.

As best shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the strips are fed by two pairs of stripgripping rotary feed rolls spaced apart a short distance longitudinallyof the strip path and drivenin timed relation to each other forconjointly feeding the strips forwardly into the machine. The forwardpair of feed rolls includes a lower roll I] and an upper roll I 8, whilethe rearward pair includes the lower roll I 9 and an upper roll 20.These feed rolls are suitably rotatably mounted in the side frames IS,the lower rolls l1 and i9 being supported by rotary shafts 2i and 22rotating in bearings in the side frames l5 while the upper rolls arecarried by shafts 23 and 24 rotatably mounted in bearings 25 mounted inguideways for vertical 'sliding adjustment. The adjustable bearings 25are yieldingly urged into their normal operative position by means -ofcompression springs 29, the tension of which may be adjusted by thumbscrews 21 so as to vary the gripping tension of the pairs of feed-rolls.

Each pair of feed rolls i1, i8 and I9, 20 (sometimes termed the feed-inrolls) is driven by a rotary toothed drivingsprocket 28, keyed orotherwiseflrmiy-oonnected'to :the -outer,:projeeting extremity oftheiower feed roll shaft 22 and driven by a small electric motor orother suitable power supply l through a power transmission system --later des'eribed. LA '29 [is secured to the lower'feed roll shaft 22inside of the side'i'rame member l5, meshing with asimilar toothed gear?securedto the feed roll shaft 24 of the upper feed roll. Also'thetoothedgear 29 meshes with an idler toothedgear-l3'L-rotatably the samerotative speed, it will be seen that each pair of feed rolls willcooperate in feeding relation with the strips to feed the same at thesame speed. In other words, both pairs of feed rollscooperate to feedthe strips at-the same speed so that there is no tension created in thereach of strips between the two pairs of feed rolls, and similarly, nolooseness of the strips occurs.

Resilient facings are preferably provided for 8. each of the feed rollsII and 2. providing for e fective gripping of the strips in feedingrelation therewith and also having a high coeillcient of frictionalengagement with the surfaces of the strips. As shown in the illustrativeembodiment of the drawing, each feed roll I4 and 20 is pro- 'vided witha peripheral facing I4 preferably of rubber or similar resilientmaterial having high frictional engagement with the strips. While thelower rolls l1 and I! may for some purposes be faced like the rolls i8and 20 as shown in Fig. 1

4, they are preferably provided with knurled metal gripping faces asshown in Figs. 5, 6, '1 and 8. The outer strip engaging surfaces of allof the rolls are of the same circumference.

As best shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the two lower feed rolls have continuousuninterrupted strip gripping surfaces throughout, their entirecircumference and are preferably knurled or roughened to increase thefriction or feeding effort on the strips. Butthe strip gripping surfacesof the up r feed rolls l8 and are interrupted by depressed or omittedpartsof the rubber facing 34 as indicated at 35 in the roll I! and at 3Bin the roll 20. The depressed portions 35 and 36 are similar and may beformed by cutting away a portion of the surfaces of ,the facings or bymolding the facings in this manner, and the depressed portions aresubstantially alike in both of the rolls. Both of the depressed portionsextend through a circumferential'portion of the roll slightly less than180 or half the circumference of each roll. But the depressed surfaceportion 35 is positioned differently circumferentially of the roll I!from the circumferential positioning of the depressed surface portion 36of the roll 20 during normal operation. The f length of the depressedportions 35 and 36 iongitudinally or axially of the rolls willordinarily be somewhat greater than the widths of the widest strips uponwhich the machine is intended to operate.

As best shown in Figs. 1 and 8 the lengths of the depressed rollperipheries 35 and 36 are somewhat less-than the full length of the feedrolls so as to provide for metallic end rings or hands 31 and 38. Theseend rings 81 and 38 as shown may be substantially the same diameter asthe outer periphery of the feed rolls, or in the other words the outersurfaces of these end rings form substantial continuations of the outerperipheries of the feed rolls. The peripheral surfaces of the end rings31 and SI as well as the entire peripheral surfaces of the upper feedrolls l8 and '20 (with the exception of the depressed or omitted partsthereof) are positioned for contacting relation respectively with theperipheral surfaces of the two lower feed rolls l1 and IS. The depth ofthe peripheral depressions 35'and 38 is suflicient to'release the gri ofthe feed rolls upon the strips being fed when these depressed portionscome next to the respective lower feed rolls. 1

Spaced some distance rearwardly of the two pairs of feed rolls l1, l8and I9, 20 is a longitudinally adjustable supporting carriage 39 whichcan be adjusted forwardly and rearwardly of the strip path. Thissupporting carriage is mounted upon longitudinal supporting rails 40 onthe side frame members It. The end frames 4| of this adjustable carriageare connected by suitable cross tie rods and may be constructed to restupon the supporting rails 40 and any desired antifriction supports maybe utilized for th purpose.

. Mounted on the inner surfaces of each of the .be faced with rubberlike the roll side frame members It are longitudinal toothed rack bars42 firmly attached in position. A transverse shaft 43 is rotatablymounted in the end frames 4| carrying spaced toothed pinions 44 meshingrespectively with the teeth of the rack bars 42. A handwheel oroperating handle 45 is fixed to the outer projecting extremity of theshaft whereby the shaft may be manually operated for adjusting thecarriage forwardly or rearwardly longitudinally of the strip path. Atransverse tie and locking rod 46 is mounted in the end frames 4| andprovided with an external operating handwheel 4I threaded to outerextremity thereof. A locking device may be connected to the rod 46' forlocking the carriage 39 in any of its longitudinally adjusted positions.As shown, this locking device includes a locking washer 46a anchored tothe rod 48 and engaging in looking relation against the outer surfaceof.

the side frame member l5 when the handwheel 41 is tightened on theopposite threaded end of the rod 46. This rod slides through an openingin the end frame 4| and the handwheel 41 may frictionally engage inholding relation against the adjacent outer face of the side frame It.

Additional feed rolls are rotatably mounted in the adjustable frame 33including a lower feed roll 48 carried by shaft 49 rotatably mounted inbearings in the end frames 4| and an upper feed roll 50 mounted on arotary supporting shaft 5| rotatably mounted in vertically adjustablebearings 52 mounted in vertical slideways in the end frames 4|. Theadjustable bearings 52 and the upper roll 50 carried thereby are urgedinto normal operative position by compression springs 53, the tension ofwhich may be adjusted by thumb screws 54. Thus the tension of-thefeeding grip between the upper and lower feed, rolls may be adjusted asdesired. Since the pair of feed rolls 48, in are constructed andarranged to feed the strips somewhat faster than the feed-in rolls l1,l8 and-l9. 20 so as to create strip severing tension in the strips, theymay be referred to as severing rolls or snatch rolls.

One of the severing feed rolls such as the upper roll III is alsopreferably provided with a resilient facing 55 of rubber or the likewhereby the strips are yieldingly gripped in feeding relation betweenthe rolls and also a high. degree of frictional effort is exerted uponthe strips. Although it is preferred to provide the lower roll 48 with aknurled metallic gripping surface as shown in Figs. 1 and 7, for somepurposes it may 50, as shown in Fig. 4. These tear-of rolls as shownhave continuous uninterrupted gripping surfaces so that continuousfeeding effort is exerted upon the strips engaged thereby duringrotation of the feed rolls. Although the tear-ofi feed rolls 48 and 50are shown as being substantially of the same diameters as those, of thefeed-in rolls I I, l8, l9 and 21!,v these tear-off rolls are driven at asomewhat higher rotative speed than that of the other rolls so as tocreate the severing strip tension referred to, as later more fullydescribed. As shown in Fig. 4 of the drawing a protective guard platemay overlie the pairs of feed-in rolls being swingably mounted upon thetie rod l6, and a similar protective guard plate may be provided for thepair of snatch rolls being swingably mounted upon the supportingcarriage 39.

Driving power for the three different pairs of feed rolls describedabove is transmitted through a suitable transmission system from acommon source, such as the small electric motor 56 suitably mounted onthe frame 14. The driving motor may be provided with a suitablereduction gearing indicated diagrammatically att'l an connected to adriving shaft 59 carrying a driving the two pairs of feed rolls l1, l3and I9, 29. The driving chain also passes in driving relation over thedriving sprocket 92 connected to the outer extension of the drivingshaft 49 for the lower feed roll 49 of the longitudinallyadjustaadjacent to the opposite strip edges toward its center. Thissevering edge at its opposite extremities adjacent to the oppositelongitudinal edges of the strips is positioned below the str ght linebetween the grip of the feed rolls I9, 29 and the grip of the snatchrolls 48, 59, as best sell in Fig. .4. Consequently, when the stri Itensioned by the fast feeding action of the snatch rolls, said stripswill assume an offset or downble pair of snatch rolls. This drivingchain to 1' then extends downwardly over the idler sprocket 99 mountedfor independent rotation upon the outer extension of the transverse tierod 49 of the longitudinally adjustable carriage 39. From this point thesprocket chain extends for a distance substantially parallel to theupper surface of the adjacent supporting rail 40 and over another idlersprocket 94 positioned near the rear end of the supporting frame l4, andthence back I to the driving sprocket 59.

It will thus be seen that the driving sprocket chain 80 is connected fordriving the three pairs of strip feeding rolls. It will be noted, asshown in Fig. 3, that the driving sprocket 62 for the longitudinally,adjustable snatch rolls 48, 59 is of somewhat smaller diameter than thatof the driving sprocket 29 for the two pairs of feed-in rolls l1, l8 andI9, 29. Therefore since the snatch rolls are substantially the samediameters at their feeding peripheries as the diameters of the otherfeed rolls, the snatch rolls function tov feed the strips faster than dothe feed-in rolls l1. l9 and i9, 29, the purpose of which is to createsevering tension in the strips being fed as more fully described below.Due to the relative positioning of the driving sprocket .92 for thelower snatch roll 48 on the longitudinally adjustable supportingcarriage 39 and of the idler sprockets 69 and 64, it will be seen thatthe wardly deflected position from a straight line between the grips ofthe feed-in rolls and sn tch rolls due to the positioning of the edgelllof the severing blade 81. Due to this offset position the strips thustensioned will be caused to be engaged with a tearing action against thestrip severing edge, and the severing action will be initiated atopposite strip edges and will be progressively continued inwardlytransversely of the strips; this severing action of th strips is morefully described below.

As best shown in Figs. 1 and 4, the strip assembly S is guided into theforward feed rolls from the supply pack S by a strip guide H preferably,as shown, mounted tor lateral adjustment upon the transverse tie rodsl6, and the stripsmay be guided and smoothed by means of bristle brushesor guiding elements I2 mounted upon one ofthe transverse tie rods i6.

sprocket chain 60 functions to drive the snatch rolls in anylongitudinal adjustment of the carriage 39 along'the supporting rails40. The adjusting idler sprocket 6| is supported upon a WshaftTSiii'ii'unted for longitudinal adjustment in an elongated slot 66 in theframe, whereby the sprocket chain 99 can be kept at the proper operativetension. Any well-known form of manually controlled locking means may beprovided.

for locking the adjusting sprocket Si in its different-adjustedpositions in the slot 69.

Positioned between the forward pairs of feed-in rolls l1, l9 and I9, 29and the severing or snatch rolls 49, 59 mounted in the adjustablecarriage 39, is a strip severingblade 91 extending transversely of thepath of strip feed and preferably as shown mounted in operativelystationery position upon the side frames Hi. This strip severing blade61 is provided with terminal supporting lugs 89 connected to thetransverse tie rod l6, and as shown is additionally supported near toits center of length by a bolt or fastening device 69 passing throughthe tie rod I6 and connected to the severing blade as best shown in Fig.5. Thus it will be seen that the severing blade is firmly supported instationary position adjacent to and just above the path of strip feed.The blade 61 is preferably forwardly and downwardly inclined from itsrear edge to its severing edge 10 as best seen in Figs. 2, 4 and 5. The

severing edge I9 inclines rearwardly transversely 1 Y of. the strip pathfrom its opposite extremities In order to assure that the forward-edgeof the strip assembly enters properly into the feeding grip of thesnatch rolls 48; 59 after passing beyond the forward or feed-in rollsand the severing edge 19, a strip guiding plate 13 is mounted below thestrip path between the forward feed rolls and the snatch rolls 4a, to,This strip guiding plate, as best seen in Figs.- 2 and 4, extendsbetween the two pairs of forward feed-in rolls and the longitudinallyadi'ustable snatch rolls 49,150, being supported by brackets 14 attachedthereto adjacent its forward end and connected to the shaft 43 mountedon the adjustable carriage 39 and movable forwardly and rearwardly withthe carriage during adj tments thereof. The guide plate 13 isadditionally supported upon one of the transverse tie rpds'ili-beingslidable thereon during the forward and rearward adjustments of thecarriage 39. It will be seen that the forward end of the guide plate 13moves for wardly or rearwardly with adjustments of the carriage 39 whilethe rearward part thereof slides over the supporting rods l6, thusmaintaining the guiding plate in. proper-operative position irrespectiveof p the longitudinal adjustment of the carriage 39.

As the strips are fed forwardly-by the plurality of pairs of feed rollsdescribed, they are severed serially along the transverse weakened linesby engagement with the severing edge 10 and di vided into sheet lengthsor unitsas indicated at S in Fig. 4 and asz later more fully described.

- are received and is supportedin suspended position by means ofsuspension rods or members 19 suitably attached to the supporting frameof the machine. A longitudinall adjustable end plate faster feedingaction of the snatch rolls.

. 9 which the sheet units 8 are projected by the feeding mechanism, andis supported for longitudinal adjustment upon the supporting rod 80while its lower edge rests upon the bottom plate 11.

From the foregoing detailed description of a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the operation thereof will be fully understood by thoseskilled in the art and for convenience and clearness may be summarizedas follows:

The forward end of the strips or strip assembly 8 may be led forwardlyfrom the zigzag pack 8' a or other source over the strip guide 1i andintroduced into the feeding grip of the forward pair of feed-in rollsII, It. The handwheel Ii is then turned to move the two pairs of feedrolls so as to feed the strips forward slowly, the forward ends thereofbeing thus introduced into the feeding grip of the second pair offeed-in rolls ll, 20. The forward ends of the strips are then deflecteddownwardly slightly in engagement with bristle brush guides 82 so as topass beneath the severing edge III of the severing blade 81 and thenceforwardly into the feeding grip of the snatch rolls 48, 50 which arealso driven through the sprocket chain 80 from the handwheel ii. In thisconnection, it will be noted that a slip clutch or similar means (notshown) will be incorporated in the reduction gearing unit 51 of thedriving motor, permitting the driving sprocket It to turn during thetime that the feed rolls are being moved by the handwheel 8| duringthe.strip threading operation. Since the longitudinal spacing of thetransverse weakened severance lines 8 of the strip assembly may vary indiflerent assemblies to form different lengths of sheet units S, theadjustable roll carriage 39 will now be longitudinally adjusted throughthe handwheel 45 and adjusting pinions 44 to position the grip of thesnatch rolls to take effect in gripping relation with the strips whenthe first severance lane, or a depthwise group of severance lines 8 arein substantial alignment at opposite end portions thereof with theadjacent opposite end portions of the severing edge 10. When the stripsarethus positioned, further forward rotation of the feed rolls willcause the strips to be tensioned across the severin edge I due to thefact that the snatch rolls feed the strips faster than do the twoforward pairs of feed rolls. When the strips are thus positioned in thegrips of all of the feed rolls and the carriage 39 properly adjusted asdeiii will be gripped in feeding and'restraining relation therewith bythe pair of rolls I8, 20 because the depressed or omitted portion 36 ofthe periphery of roll {20 is away from juxtaposed relation with the rollit, the result bein that the strips are gripped between the normalgripping periphery of the roll 10 and the periphery of the" roll it. Atthe same moment the depressed or omitted part 35 of the periphery offeed roll i8 is positioned next to the periphery of the roll i'l wherebythe feeding grip of this pair of rolls is released and there is nofeeding or restraining action at this moment by this pair of feed rolls.Therefore, if the strip tensioning and severing action occurs during theinterval that the depressed portion II of the roll i8 is passing by theadjacent portion of the roll II, the restraining action on the stripsduring the severing action of the snatch rolls will be exerted solely bythe grip of the pair of feed rolls I9, 20. Similarly, during the periodthat the depressed portion 38 of the feed roll 2|! is passing by thestrips at points thereof engaging the lower feed roll IS, the depressedportion 35 of the roll it will have passed beyond the adjacent portionof the lower feed roll l'l whereupon the strips will be fed andrestrained solely by the feeding grip between the feed rolls i 1, it.Thus it will be seen that the restraint upon the strips during thesevering operation will be exerted sometimes by the pair of feed rollsi1, i8 and sometimes by the feed rolls I9, 20, dependent upon thelongitudinal spacing of the severance lines 8 and to other variablefactors.

It will be noted that the depressed portions 35 and 36 are notonly-positioned differently in the feed rolls l8 and 20 for the purposedescribed, but the circumferential extent of each of these depressedportions is somewhat less than half the circumferential extent of thefeed rolls, that is, somewhat less than 180. For this reason, as bestseen in Fig. 5, it will be noted that the two pairs of feed rolls actingconjointly, exert continuous scribed, the driving motor 56 may bestarted whereupon the strips will be fed forwardly at a rapid rate andthe strip assembly will be severed serially along the successive groupsof weakened severance lines S During the feeding of the strips by thesnatch rolls 8, at a faster rate than the feeding action of the twopairs of forward feed-in rolls I1, I. and I9, 20, it will beparticularly noted that the strips or strip assembly is gripped eitherby the pair of feed rolls l1, It or by the pair of feed rolls I9, 20.Thus restraint upon the strips will be exerted either by the first pairof feed rolls II, it or by the second pair of feed rolls I9, 20, thuscreating strip severing tension on the reach of strips adjacent thesevering edge 10 due to the The strip feeding and restrainin effort uponthe strips. In other words, the feeding grip of one pair of feed rollsis not discontinued until the feeding grip of the other pair isestablished. This can be clearly seen in Fig. 5 when both pairs of feedrolls are positioned to exert concurrent feeding grip upon the stripsfor a brief period. In this position the feedin grip of the feed rollsi9, 20 is just beginning to take effect, whereas the feeding grip of thefeed rolls I1, i8 is still effective but will be released upon furtherrotation of the rolls a short distance due to the fact that thedepressed portion 35 will immediately move into Ijuxtaposition with thefeeding periphery of roll I.

There is another important function accomplished by the two pairs offeeding rolls II, It and i9, 20 constructed and arranged as hereindescribed. This relates to the accurate feeding of the strips or stripassembly and the avoiding of longitudinal disalignment of the superposedstrips of an assembly and of the transverse weakened severance linesthereof. For satisfactory feeding effects, it is essential that thesuperposed strips, when fed in tabulating or other writing machines, bekept in correct longitudinal alignment with each other so thatinscriptions made upon blank forms of the original record strip will betransferred by suitable transfer media to the proper spaces of the blankforms of the underlying record strips. Also for satisfactory severing ofthe strips along the transverse weakened severance lines thereof, it isessential that these severance ment in atraoes which are arranged in allof the superposed strips, be kept in substantial depthwise aligngroupsalong the assembly, in order. that all of the severance lines of eachgroup may be r substantially aligned with the severing edge II when thesevering action takes place.

These important functions are believed to be accomplished by thisimproved feeding mechanism substantially in the following manner:

When assemblies of superposed strips are fed by strip gripping feedingmechanism such as by strip gripping feed rolls. there is a tendency tocause wrinkles, bulges, creases, or other irregularities in thedifferent superposed strips, and a tendency for some of the strips,particularly those next to the gripping surfaces, to move slightly aheadof the other strips. These strip irregularities tend to accumulate atthe strip feeding grip to such an extent that correct feeding of thestrips is impaired or interrupted. This accumulation of irregularitiesin the strips is effectively avoided by this improved feeding mechanismand correct feeding of the strips is promoted.

'Due to the fact that the strips are intermittently gripped in feedingrelation therewith by each pair of feed rolls and intermittentlyreleased by action of the omitted or depressed portions 3, 36, theaccumulations of the strip irregularities referred to are avoided. Thuswhen a strip irregularity is caused in the strips at the strip feedinggrip thereon, such irregularity is,

absorbed or adjusted as soon as the grip is released by the action ofthe depressed portiom I! or as in the feed roll peripheries. At theinstant the feeding grip is thus, released, the bulges or otherirregularities in the strips are absorbed due to the natural resiliencyof the paper and the tendency thereof to assume the normal flatcondition at the moment of grip release. Both pairs of feed rolls I1, isand I9, function in this manner to avoid undue accumulations of stripirregularities, thus promoting accurac of strip feed, while at the sametime there is a constant feeding effort upon the strips due to thecombined or conjoint action of the two pairs of feed rolls. Also thereis a constant restraining eflort upon the strips opposed to the actionof the snatch rolls'48, ill because the strips are continuously grippedby the conjoint action of the two pairs of feed rolls ll, l8 and I8, 2|.

At the moment of strip severance across the strip severing edge 10, itwill be noted that the strips during initiation of the severance, aredeflected downwardly from the direct straight course between the forwardor feed-in rolls and the snatch rolls I8, and that the strips initiallyengage the severing edge at opposite longitudinal strip edges near theopposite outer extremities of the severing edge. Thus as the tension onthe strips increases due to the fast feeding action of the snatch rolls,strip severance is initiated at the opposite strip edges and continuesprogressively transversely of the strips and inwardly thereof.

The final severing action occurs near the central portion of thesevering edge or the apex thereof Thus the strips are severed with atearing action,

the tear of which progresses transversely of thewhere the two oppositelyinclined portions meet.

with the guiding plate II and will be g ided thereby into the grip ofthe snatch rolls, whereupon strip severance is immediately effectedalong the next successive group of weakened severance lines 5 As eachsheet unit 8 is, thus detached and is fed forwardly by the snatch rolls,it is projected or guided into stacked position in the receivinsupporting magazine 'll.

Since certain changes may be made in the above construction anddifferent embodiments of the invention could be made without departingfrom the scope thereof, it isv intended that all matter contained in theabove description or shown in the accompanying drawing shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The invention having thus been fully described, the following isclaimed:

1. In a machine of the character described, in combination, stripfeeding means, a plurality of strip restraining devices, and means forcontrolling said restraining devices to exert strip restraint thereby,sometimes by one and sometimes by another thereof, during strip feed bysaid feeding means so as to create strip tension to effect transversestrip severance.

2. In a machine of the'character described, in

combination, strip feeding means, a plurality of strip restrainingdevices, means for controlling said restraining devices to exert striprestraint thereby, sometimes by one and sometimes by another thereof,during strip feed by said feeding means so as to. create strip tensionto efl'ect transverse strip severance, and a strip engaging memberpositioned between said feeding means and said restraining devices andcooperating with the strips during the tensioning thereof to promotestrip severance.

3. In a machine of the character described, in combination, stripfeeding means, a plurality of strip restraining devices, means forcontrolling said restraining devices to exert strip restraint thereby,sometimes by one and sometimes by another thereof, during strip feed bysaid feeding means so as to create strip tension to effect transversestrip severance, and a strip severing blade extending transversely of.the strip path and positioned between said feeding means and saidrestraining devices and across which the strips are engaged by thetensioning action of said strip feeding means to promote stripseverance.

, 4. In a machine of the character described, in combination, stripfeeding means, a plurality of strip restraining devices, means forcontrolling said restraining devices to exert strip restraint thereby,sometimes by one and sometimes by another thereof, during strip feed bysaid feeding means so as to create strip tension to effect transversestrip severance, and a strip severing edge extending transversely of thstrip path and positioned between said feeding means and saidrestraining devices and across which the strips are engaged by thetensioning action of said strip feeding means to promote stripseverance, said severing edge being forwardly inclined transversely tothe longitudinal path of strip feed.

5. In a machine of the character described, in-

combination, strip feeding means, a plurality of strip restrainingdevices, means for controlling said restraining devices to exert striprestraint thereby. sometimes by one and sometimes by so as to initiatestrip severance at opposite strip edges.

6. In a machine of the character described, in combination, stripfeeding means, a plurality of strip feeding and restraining devices,means for controlling said feeding and restraining devices to exertstrip restraint thereby, sometimes by one and sometimes by anotherthereof, during strip feed by said feeding means so as to create striptension to effect transverse strip severance, and a strip severing edgeextending transversely of the strip path and positioned between saidfeeding means and said feeding and restraining devices and across whichthe strips are engaged by the tensioning action of said strip feedingmeans to promote strip severance, said severing edge being forwardlyinclined transversely to the longitudinal path of strip feed, saidsevering edge at a point thereof adjacent to a lateral strip edge beingpositioned to one side of a straight line between the points of stripengagement by said feeding means and said feeding and restrainingdevices and inclining toward said straight line, whereby strip severanceis initiated substantially at the strip edge and is continuedprogressively therefrom.

7. In a machine of the character described, in combination, stripfeeding means. a plurality of strip feeding and restraining devices,means for controlling said feeding and restraining devices to exertstrip restraint thereby, sometimes by one and sometimes by anotherthereof, during strip feed by said feeding means so as to create striptension to effect transverse strip severance, and a. strip severing edgeextending transversely of the strip path and positioned between saidfeeding means and said feeding and restraining devices and across whichthe strips are engaged by the tensioning action of said strip feedingmeans to promote strip severance, said severing edge being inclinedinwardly and forwardly to the longitudinal path of strip feed frompoints adjacent to the opposite edges of the strips and said severingedge at points thereof respectively adjacent to opposite lateral stripedges being positioned to one side of a straight line between the pointsof strip engagement by said feedin means and said feeding andrestraining devices and inclining thence toward said straight line,whereby strip severance is initiated substantially at opposite stripedges and is continued progressively therefrom.

8. In a machine of the character described, in combination, stripfeeding means, strip restraining means longitudinally spaced from saidfeeding means so as to tension the strip reach between said combination,strip feeding means, strip restraining means longitudinally spaced fromsaid feeding means so as to tension by feeding action of said feedingmeans the strip reach between said feeding means and said restrainingmeans. and a strip severing edge extending transversely of and adjacentto the strip path, the strips bein8 caused to be engaged in severingrelation against said severing edge by said strip tensioning feedingaction to effect transverse strip severance, said severing edge beingforwardly inclined transversely to the longitudinal path of strip feed.

10. In a machine of the character described, in combination, stri-pfeeding means, strip restraining means longitudinally spaced from saidfeeding means so as to tension the strip reach between said feedingmeans and said restraining means by feeding action of said feedingmeans, and a strip evering edge extending transversely of and adjacentto the strip path, the strips being caused to be engaged in severingrelation against said severing edge by said strip tensioning feedingaction to effect transverse strip severance, said severance edge beinginclined inwardly and forwardly to the longitudinal path of strip feedfrom points adjacent to opposite edges of the strips so as to initiateseverance substantially at opposite strip edges.

11. In a machine of the character described, in combination, stripfeeding means, strip restraining means longitudinally spaced from saidfeeding means so as to tension the strip reach between said feedingmeans and said restraining means by feeding action of said feedingmeans, and a strip severing edge extending transversely of and adjacentto the strip path, the strips being caused to be engaged in severingrelation against 'said severing edge by said strip tensioning feedingaction to effect transverse strip severance, said severing edge beinginclined inwardly and forwardly to the longitudinal path of strip feedfrom a point thereof adjacent to an edge of the strips so as to initiateseverance substantially at said strip edge, said adjacent point of thesevering edge being positioned in spaced relation to one side of astraight path between the points of strip engagement by said feedingmeans and said restraining means and inclining toward said straight pathwhereby strip severance initiated at the strip edge is continuedprogressively therefrom transversely of the strip.

12. In a machine of the character described, in combination, stripfeeding means, strip restraining means longitudinally spaced from saidfeeding means so as to tension by feeding action the strip reach betweensaid feeding means and said restraining means, and a strip severingblade having a severing edge extending transversely of and adjacent tothe strip path. the strips being caused to be engaged in severingrelation against said severing edge by said strip tensioning feedingaction to effect transverse strip severance, said transverse severingedge being inclined forwardly to the longitudinal path of strip feedfrom a a straight path between the points of stripengagement by saidfeeding means and said restraining devices and inclining thence towardsaid straight path whereby strip severance initiated at oppositelongitudinal strip edges is continued progressively therefromtransversely of the strip 13. In a machine of the character described,in combination, strip feeding means, strip restraining meanslongitudinally spaced from said feeding means so as to tension byfeeding action the strip reach between said feeding means and saidrestraining means, and a strip severing blade extending transversely ofthe strip path and having a severing edge extending transversely of andadjacent to the strip path, the strips being caused to be engaged insevering relation against said severing edge by said strip tensioningfeeding action to effect transverse strip severance, said severing bladebeing forwardly inclined from its rear or base edge toward its severingedge and toar the stri th. v w 12 In a mzc fine of the characterdescribed, in combination, strip feeding means, strip restraining meanslongitudinally spaced from said feeding means so as to tension byfeeding action the strip reach between said feeding means and saidrestraining means, and a strip severing blade extendingtransversely ofthe strip path and having a severing edge extending transversely of andadjacent to the strip path, the strips being caused to be engaged insevering relation against said severing edge by said strip tensioningfeeding action to effect transverse strip severance, said severing bladebeing forwardly inclined from its rear or base edge toward its severingedge and T toward the strip path and having its transverse severing edgeforwardly inclined to the longitudinal path of the strip feed.

15. In a machine of the character described,

in combination, a plurality of strip feeding means spaced apartlongitudinally of the strip path, and means for exerting feeding efforton the strips being fed first by one of said feeding means and then byanother thereof in alternation.

16. In a machine of the character described,

each exerting intermittent feeding grip on the '18 nd feeding meansgrips the strips in feeding relation therewith while the feeding grip ofsaid one feeding means is released, and means whereby said plurality offeeding means coniointly exert continuous strip feeding eifort.

20. In a device of the character described, in combination, a pluralityof strip feeding means including a plurality of pairs of feed rolls eachpair of which exerts intermittent feeding grip on the strips, and meanswhereby one of said pairs of feed rolls grips the strips in feedingrelation therewith while the feeding grip of a second pair of feed rollsis released. 1

21. In a device of the chamber described, in combination, a plurality ofstrip feeding means including a plurality of pairs of feed rolls eachpair of which exerts intermittent feeding grip on the strips, meanswhereby one of said pairs of feed rolls grips the strips in feedingrelation therewith while the feeding grip of a second pair of feed rollsis released, and means whereby said second pair of feed rolls grips thestrips in feeding relation therewith while the feeding grip ofsaidonepair of feed .rolls is released.

22. In a machine of the character described, in combination, a pluralityof strip feeding means spaced apart longitudinally of the strip path,means whereby one of said feeding means grips the strips in feedingvrelation therewith, while the feeding grip of a second of said feedingmeans is released, and means whereby said plurality of feeding meansconjointly exert continuous strip feeding effort.

23; In a machine of the character described, in combination, a pluralityof strip feeding means spaced apart longitudinally of the strip path,

means whereby one of said feeding means grips p in combination, aplurality of strip feeding means strips, and means whereby one of saidfeeding a means grips the strips in feeding relation therewith while thefeeding grip of a second of said feeding means is released;

18. In a machine of the character described,

in combination, a plurality of strip feeding means spaced apartlongitudinally of the strip path and each exerting intermittent feedinggrip on the strips, means whereby one of said feeding means grips thestrips in feeding relation therewith while the feeding grip of a secondof said feeding means is released, and means whereby said second feedingmeans grips the, strips in feeding relation therewith while the feedinggrip of said one feeding means is released.

19. In a machine of the character described,

'- in combination, a plurality of strip feeding means spaced apartlongitudinally of the strip path and each exerting intermittent feedinggrip on the strips, means whereby one of said feeding means grips thestrips in feeding relation therewith while the feeding grip of a secondof said feeding means is released, means whereby said secthe strips infeeding relation therewith while the feeding grip of a second of saidfeeding means is released, means whereby said second feeding means gripsthe strips in feeding relation therewith while the feeding rip of saidone feeding means is released, and means whereby said plurality offeeding means conjointly exert continuous strip feeding eflort.

In a device of the character described, in combination, a plurality ofstrip feeding means including a plurality of pairs of feed rolls drivenin timed relation, means whereby one of said pairs of feed rolls gripsthe strips in feeding relation therewith while the feeding grip of asecond pair of feed rolls is released, means wheregrip of said one pairof feed rolls is released,

and means whereby said plurality of pairs of feed rolls coniointly exertcontinuous strip feeding effort.

25. In a device of the character described, in combination, a pluralityof strip feeding means including a plurality of pairs of feed rollsdriven in timed relation, one feed roll of each of said pairs of feedrolls having a part of its periphery depressed or omitted so as to exertintermittent strip feeding grip, said omitted portions of the feed rollsbeing positioned differently in the different pairs of rolls whereby onepair of each of said pairs of feed rolls grips the strips in feedingrelation therewith while the strips are released from the feeding gripof another of said pairs of feed rolls.

'26. In a device of the character described, in combination, a pluralityof strip feeding means including a plurality of pairs of feed rollsdriven in timed relation, one feed roll of each of said 17 pairs of feedrolls having a part of its periphery depressed or omitted so as to exertintermittent strip feeding grip, said depressed or omitted portions ofthe feed rolls being positioned differently in the different pairs ofrolls whereby one pair of each of said pairs of feed rolls grips thestrips in feeding relation therewith while the strips are released fromthe feeding grip of another of said pairs of feed rolls, said depressedor omitted portions of the roll peripheries being relatively positionedso the plurality of pairs of feed rolls conjointly exert continuousfeeding eifort on the strips.

27. In a device of the characterdescribed, in combination, a pluralityof strip feeding means spaced apart longitudinally of the strip path,means for exerting feeding effort on the strips being fed first by oneof said feeding means and then by another thereof in alternation, and

.an additional strip feeding means spaced from said first mentionedfeeding means and operating to exert strip feed faster than said firstmentioned feeding means, thus to cause strip tension on the strip reachbetween said. first mentioned feeding means and said additiona feedingmeans.

28. In a device of the character described, in combination, a pluralityof strip feeding means' spaced apart longitudinally of the strip path,means for exerting feedin effort on the strips being fed. first by oneof said feeding means and then by another thereof in alternation, meanswhereby said plurality of feeding means jointly exert continuous feedingeffort on the strips, and an additional strip feeding means spaced fromsaid first mentioned feeding means and operating to exert strip feedfaster than said first mentioned feeding means thus to cause stripsevering tension on the strip reach between said first mentioned,feeding means and said additional feeding means.

29. In a device of the character described, in combination, a pluralityof strip gripping feeding means spaced apart longitudinally of the strippath and driven in timed relation, means for exerting strip grippingfeeding effort on the strips by one of said feeding means while thefeeding grip of a second of said feeding means is released, means forexerting strip gripping effort on the strips by said second feedingmeans while the feedin grip on said one feeding means is released, andan additional strip feeding means spaced from said first mentionedfeeding means and operating to exert strip feed faster than said firstmentioned feeding means when the strip feed faster than said firstmentioned feeding means when the strips are gripped in feeding relationsometimes by one of said first mentioned feeding means and sometimes byanother strips are gripped in feeding relation sometimes I by one ofsaid first mentioned feeding means and sometimes by another thereof,thus to cause strip severing tension on the strip reach between saidstrip gripping feeding means and said additional feeding means.

30. In a device of the character described, in combination, a pluralityof strip gripping feeding means spaced'apart longitudinally of the strippath, means for exerting strip gripping'feeding effort on the strips byone of said feeding means while the feeding grip of a second of saidfeeding means is released, means for exerting strip gripping eifort onthe strips by said second feeding means while the feeding grip on saidone feeding means is released, means whereby said plurality of stripgripping feeding means conjointly exert continuous strip feeding effort,and an additional strip feeding means spaced from said first mentionedfeeding means and operating to exert thereof, thus to cause stripsevering tension on the strip reach between said strip gripping feedingmeans and said additional feeding means.

31. In a device of the character described, in combination, a pluralityof pairs of strip gripping feed rolls spaced apart longitudinally of thestrip path, one feed roll of each said pair having a part of itsperiphery omitted or depressed so as to exert intermittent strip feedinggrip, said omitted or depressed portions being positioned differently inthe feed rolls of the difierent pairs whereby one pair of each of saidpairs of feed rolls in alternation grips the strips in feeding relationtherewith while the strips are released from the feeding grip of anotherof said pairs of feed rolls, and an additional strip feeding meansspaced from said pairs of feed rolls and exerting strip feed faster thansaid feed rolls, thus to cause 'strip' severing tension on the stripreach between said feed rolls and said additional feeding means.

32. In a device of the character described, in combination, a pluralityof pairs of strip gripping feed rolls spaced apart longitudinally of thestrip path, one feed roll of each said, pair having a part of itsperiphery omitted or depressed so as to exert intermittent strip feedinggrip, said omitted or depressed portions being positioned diiferently inthe feed rolls of the different pairs whereby one pair of each of saidpairs of feed rolls in alternation grips the strips in feeding relationtherewith while the strips are released from the feeding grip of anotherof said pairs of feed rolls, and an additional strip feeding meansspaced from said pairs of feed rolls and exerting strip feed faster thansaid feed rolls, thus to cause strip severing tension on the strip reachbetween said feed rolls and said additional feeding means, saiddepressed portions of the feed rolls being relatively positioned on thedifferent rolls so as to exert continuous strip feeding effortconjointly by said pairs of feed rolls.

33. In a device of the character described, in

combination, a plurality of strip feeding means spaced apartlongitudinally of the strip path, means for exerting feeding effort onthe strips beingfed first by one of said feeding means and then byanother thereof in alternation, an additional strip feeding means spacedfrom said first mentioned feedin means and operating to exert strip feedfaster than said first mentioned feeding means, thus to cause striptension on the strip reach between said first mentioned feeding meansand said additional feeding means, and a severing edge extendingtransversely of the strip path between said first mentioned stripfeeding means and said additional strip feeding means against which thestrips are engaged and severed ,by the strip tensioning action of thefeeding means.

34. In a device of "the character described. in combination, a pluralityof strip feeding means spaced apart longitudinally of the strip path,means for exerting feedin effort on the strips being fed first by one ofsaid feedine means and then by another thereof in alternation, anadditional strin feeding means spaced from said first mentioned feedingmeans and operat ng to exert strip feed faster than said first mentionedfeeding means. thus to cause strip tension on the strip reach betweensaid first mentioned feeding means and said additional feeding means,and a severing edge extending transversely of the strip path betweensaid first mentioned strip feedin means and said additional stripfeeding means against which the strips are engaged and severed by thestriptensioning-action of the wardiy inclined transversely of thelongitudinal path of strip feed. 35. In a device of the characterdescribed, in

combination. a plurality of strip feeding means spaced apartlongitudinally-of the strip path,

means forexerting feeding effort on the strips 1 being fed first by oneof said feeding-means and then by another thereof in alternation, an

additional strip feeding means spaced from said feeding means, saidsevering edge being forfirst mentioned feedin means and operating to rand a severing edge extending transversely of l the strip path betweensaid first mentioned strip feeding means and said additionalstripfeeding means against which the strips are engaged and severed bythe strip tensioning action of the,

feeding means, said severing edge being inclined inwardly and forwardlyto the longitudinal path of strip feed from points adjacent to opposite9 edges of the strips'so as to initiate severance at the opposite-stripedges.

36. In a device of the character described, in combination, a pluralityof strip feeding means spaced apart longitudinally of the strip path,

means for exerting feeding effort on the strips being fed first by oneof said feeding means i and then by another thereof in alternation, an

, additional strip feeding means spaced from said first mentionedfeeding means and operating to exert strip feed faster than said firstmentioned feeding means, thus to cause strip tension on the strip reachbetween said first mentioned feeding means and said additional feedingmeans. and a severing edge extending transversely of I the strip pathbetween said first mentioned strip feeding means and said additionalstrip feeding means against which thestrips are engaged and severed bythe strip tensioning action of the the points of strip engagement bysaid first mentioned feedin means and said additional strip feedingmeans, and inclining thence toward said straight path wherebystripseverance is initiated at an edge portion of the strips and is continued20 and said additional feeding means, and a severing edge forwardlyinclined transversely of the longitudinal path of strip feed acrosswhich the strips are severed by said strip tension.

38. In a device of the character described,in

combination a plurality of strip gripping feeding means spaced apartlongitudinally of the strip path, means for exerting strip grippingfeeding effort on the strips by .one of said feed-- ing means while thefeeding'grip of a second of said feeding means is released, means forexerting strip gripping feeding effort on the strips by said secondfeeding means while the feedin grip on said one feeding means isreleased,-an

- additional strip feeding means spaced from said first mentionedfeeding means and operating to exert strip feed'faster than said firstmentioned feeding means when the strips are gripped in feeding relation,sometimes by one of said first mentioned feeding means and sometimes byanother thereof, thus to cause strip tension on the strip reach betweensaid strip gripping feeding means and saidadditional feeding means,- anda severing edge across which the strips are severedby said strip tensionand being inclined inwardly and forwardly to the longitudinal "path ofstrip feed from points adjacent to opposite edges of the strips so as toinitiate severance substantially at the opposite strip edges.

39. In a device of the character described, in combination, a pluralityof pairs of strip gripping feed rolls spaced apart longitudinally of thestrip path, one feed roll of each said pair having a part of itsperiphery omitted or depressed so as to exert intermittent strip feedinggrip, said omitted or depressed portions being positioned differently inthe feed rolls of the different pairs whereby one pair of each of saidpairs of feed rolls in alternation grips the strips in feeding relationtherewith while the strips are released from the feeding grip of anotherof said pairs of feed rolls, an additional strip feeding means spacedfrom said pairs of feed rolls and exerting strip faster than said feedrolls, thus to cause progressively therefrom transversely of the strips.

37. In a device of the character described, in

, combination, a plurality of strip gripping feeding means spaced apartlongitudinally of the strip path; means for exerting strip grippingfeeding efiort on the strips by one of said feeding means while thefeeding grip of. a second of said feedin means is released, means forexerting strip gripping effort on the strips by strip tension on thestrip reach between said feed rolls and said additional feeding means,

and a severing edge across which the strips aresevered by said striptension, said severing edge at a point thereof adjacent to a lateralstrip edge being spaced at one side of a straight strip path between thepoints of strip engagement by said first mentioned feeding means andsaid additional strip feeding means and inclining 'thence toward saidstraight path whereby strip severance is initiated at an edge portion ofthe strips and is continued progressively therefrom transversely of thestrips.

40. In a strip feeding device of the character described, incombination, a plurality of pairs said second feeding means while thefeeding grip on said one feeding means is released, an additional stripfeeding means spaced from said first mentioned feeding means andoperating to exert strip feed faster than said first mentioned feedofstrip feeding feed-in rolls, a pair of strip tear-oil. or snatch rollsfeeding faster than said feed-in rolls, and means whereby said pairs offeed-in rolls exert alternate intermittent feeding action on the stripsbeing fed.

41. In a device of the character described, in combination, a pluralityof pairs of feed-in rolls, a pair of tear-off or snatch rolls feedingfaster than said feed-in rolls, means whereby said pairs of feed-inrolls exert alternate intermittent feeding action on the strips beingfed, and means whereby said pairs of feed-in rolls conjointly exertcontinuous feedingaction upon the strips.

42. In a strip feeding and severing device, in combination, a pluralityof pairs of feed-in rolls, a pair of tear-off or snatch rolls feedingthe 21 2 strips faster than said teed-in rolls so as to REFERENCES CITEDtension the strip reach between said teed-in rolls The followingreferences are or record m the and said snatch rolls, means whereby saidpairs t of feed-in rolls exert alternate intermittent strip me this TEgripping feeding action on the strips being fed, 5 UNITED STATES PA NTSand a strip severing edge extending transversely Number Name Date of thestrip path and engageable in severing re- 2,331,351 Seeley Oct. 12, 1943lation with the'tensioned part of the strip be- 2,344,720 OConneil Mar.21, 1944 tween said teed-in'rolis and said snatch rolls. 2,355,690 ZentAug. 15, 1944 LOUIS F. HAGEMAN. 10 2,380,949 Davidson Aug. 7, 1945

